How brain circuits affect stress coping and alcohol use
Official title: Corticolimbic circuitry in adaptive stress coping behavior and subsequent alcohol drinking
Funded at University of New Mexico · NIH-11088538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how people with PTSD handle stress and how that might lead them to drink alcohol, focusing on specific parts of the brain that could help us find better ways to support coping strategies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AA029730-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from PTSD, particularly those who may struggle with alcohol use as a coping mechanism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have PTSD or do not engage in alcohol consumption as a coping strategy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between stress coping mechanisms and alcohol consumption in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It focuses on understanding how certain brain regions, particularly the prelimbic cortex and the basolateral amygdala, influence coping strategies and subsequent alcohol use. By using an animal model, the study examines how variations in brain signaling can affect stress responses and drinking behavior, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets for improving coping strategies. The research employs advanced techniques to manipulate brain circuits and assess their impact on behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help individuals with PTSD manage their symptoms and reduce alcohol consumption.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the brain mechanisms involved in stress and alcohol use, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ornelas, Laura C. — University of New Mexico
- Study coordinator: Ornelas, Laura C.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.